It’s no secret that Detroit is home to its fair share of abandoned properties. Throughout the generations, our beloved city has struggled through numerous challenges, both financially and otherwise – and these difficulties have forced the closure of many unique, beautiful buildings. One abandoned church in Detroit remains hauntingly beautiful despite its state of disrepair. Take a look inside St. Agnes Church in Detroit by checking out the photos below from urban explorers, but bear in mind that we certainly do not recommend trespassing to get an in-person glimpse.
The now-abandoned St. Agnes Catholic Church and School sits at the corner of Rosa Parks Boulevard and La Salle Gardens in the LaSalle neighborhood of Detroit.
If you’ve ever driven past this once-commanding structure, you’ve likely noticed its unique and melancholy beauty. The church and school once bustled with activity, first opening its doors all the way back in 1924.
In its heyday, parishioners and members of the girls’ school community flocked to the Gothic-style church and accompanying buildings for regular mass, special events, and much more.
Sadly, civil unrest during the 1960s marked the beginning of a series of challenges for St. Agnes. Throughout the decades, a decline in local population led to fewer parishioners and the ultimate closure in 2006.
Today, the church and school buildings remain standing, but their once well-maintained grounds are overgrown and marked by “No Trespassing” signs. Inside, walls and structures have crumbled.
Throughout the years since the closure of St. Agnes, urban explorers have made their way in to photograph the haunting yet strangely beautiful abandoned property. There’s something truly evocative about this space.
Church pews, desks, fallen bricks, once-gorgeous stained glass windows, and pieces of Catholic school life abound here.
For those who attended St. Agnes Church in Detroit, these images must conjure complicated emotions.
While its physical structure has fallen into disrepair, the spirit of St. Agnes Catholic Church and School remains intact – and photos of its decline give us the chance to reflect on the impermanence of life.
It's hard to believe something so grand could fall this low. Let's take a walk around the abandoned St. Agnes Catholic Church in this video:
Did you or your loved ones spend time at St. Agnes Church prior to its closure? What are some of your best memories of this once-popular church and school in Motor City? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or tell us about another abandoned church in Detroit that we should be aware of by filling out our nomination form.
If you're eager to explore some of the area's still-active attractions, follow this lighthouse road trip through Detroit. Hop in the car or pack up the RV (even if you don't have an RV you can rent one from RVShare) and go on an adventure.
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